Magnetic Toggle Fastening for Hands-Free Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems require constant manual actuation to prevent re-engagement during disassembly, making the process tedious.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with a support that includes two magnets, one on the locking member and one on the support, allowing for automatic unlocking and locking configurations through magnetic attraction, facilitated by an actuating device to enhance disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single magnet system is used for locking, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the disassembly process requires constant manual actuation which is tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic system is segmented into two distinct magnets: a first magnet on the locking member and a second magnet on the support. This segmentation allows independent magnetic interactions for locking and unlocking functions, enabling automatic unlocking without continuous manual actuation while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The second magnet on the support acts as an intermediary that automatically maintains the unlocking configuration through magnetic attraction with the second magnet on the locking member. This intermediary magnetic interaction eliminates the need for continuous manual actuation during disassembly, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
2Reliability
If magnetic attraction is used for automatic locking, then the locking is reliable, but additional magnets increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking magnetic functions are merged into a coordinated two-magnet system where the first magnet provides reliable locking through attraction with its counterpart, while the second magnet simultaneously provides automatic unlocking capability. This merging approach enhances reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic system is designed to be self-servicing where the magnetic attraction between corresponding magnets automatically maintains both locking and unlocking configurations without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable locking while minimizing the need for additional complex control systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy disassembly without continuous manual actuation, simplifying the detachment process by maintaining the unlocking configuration until the operator releases the actuating device.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet capable of cooperating with the first magnet of the support to constrain the locking member towards the locking configuration
Implementation Method 2
a second magnet of the locking device support capable of cooperating with the second magnet of the locking member to constrain the locking member towards the unlocking configuration
Implementation Method 3
the actuating device comprising an actuating magnet suitable for being arranged near the second magnet of the support so that the magnetic field of the actuating magnet adds to the magnetic field of the second magnet of the support
Data Source
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AI summary
The fastening system (10) comprises: - a base (20) including a first locking element (28); - a locking device (50) comprising: - a support (52) including a first magnet (60); and - a locking member (70) mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation (R) between locking and unlocking configurations; the locking member (70) comprising: - a first magnet (84) adapted to cooperate with the first magnet (62) of the support (52) to constrain the locking member (70) towards the locking configuration; - a second magnet (86). The support (52) of the locking device (50) includes a second magnet (62) adapted to cooperate with the second magnet (86) of the locking member (70) to constrain the locking member (70) towards the unlocking configuration.